Second-tier teams scramble for share of Premier League riches IMAGE: Bradford players celebrate. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images. The annual scramble for promotion to the Premier League begins on Friday after a summer of frenetic hiring and firing by the 24 teams in England's second-tier Championship. Each is intent on securing the golden ticket of entry into the world's most lucrative league with almost 100 million pounds ($132.10 million) on offer to even the team that finishes bottom.

News of all that's transpired on and off the football field IMAGE: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates with teammates. Photograph: Denis Doyle/Getty Images Cristiano Ronaldo's former teammate Michel Salgado believes the star striker will not leave Real Madrid for a fellow European heavyweight. Ronaldo has been linked with moves to former club Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain this summer after reports he would consider walking out on Real due to scrutiny over his personal ...